Plato’s Warning Against Demagogues in a Democracy

Description

The Allegory of the Doctor and the Pastry Chef

“Socrates: … I shall be like a physician tried before a jury of children on the accusation of a pastry chef.1 Just consider what defense such a man could make if he were caught in the toils of such a circumstance! His accuser will say, ‘Children, the defendant here has committed many offenses against all of you. The youngest of you he continues to maim by amputation and cautery; he forces you to hunger and thirst, then the drink he gives you is bitter. How unlike he is to me, who have always regaled you with choice dainties of a tempting variety?’ What do you think the physician caught in such a predicament could say? If he admitted the truth and declared, ‘Yes , children, I did every one of these things – for your good health!’ How much of an outcry do you think a jury like that would make? It would be loud, wouldn’t it? … And the physician would be at a complete loss what reply to make.”

– Gorgias, by Plato. Translated by W.C. Helmond. The Liberal Arts Press, Inc., 1952. 521 – 522

Notes on the above passage:

1original translation is ‘cook’ – pastry chef may be the better translation for this illustration.

cautery – burn the skin of a wound to stop it from becoming infected or to prevent bleeding

regaled – to lavishly supply

dainties – delicious treats

Writing Assignment 1:

Read the passage from Gorgias of Plato’s Allegory of the Doctor and the Pastry Chef. Then watch the Youtube video titled “Why Socrates Hated Democracy” on the allegory – see link address below – and conduct any further independent research if you feel you do not grasp the parable.

Essay Question:

In 3-5 pages: Explain the allegory and how it applies to democracy. Who does the physician represent? Who does the Pastry Chef represent? Who are the children in this parable? Do the children prefer the doctor or the pastry chef? Why? Can you give examples of “pastry chefs” in U.S. politics today? Can you name any “physicians” in our political history? What does Plato’s argument illustrate about voting behavior and why all democracies have ended in tyranny prior to the writing of the U.S. Constitution. Do we elect more Pastry Chefs or Physicians? Do you find Plato’s argument compelling? Why? Why not?